Origin of papaya

It is said that in one of the arrivals of Colon and his men to American lands were entertained by the natives with a succulent banquet, and their men, who had come from a long journey, ate until they became ill.

Their hosts then led them to the tropical forest and there gave them papayas to eat (Caricafrom Greek «karike», and papayafrom Mayan «paapay-ya» or «variegated sapote») to relieve your digestive problems, connoisseurs of the wonderful qualities of this fruit for the body. Maybe that’s why they originally called it «angel food.»

Its origin was in Mexico or the Peruvian Andes. Most likely, among the more than 70 species of Caricaceae that exist, there were different varieties spread throughout the area.

During the 16th century, from Mexico, Spanish and Portuguese sailors spread it throughout the Caribbean and the rest of South America, and later took it with them to the Philippines, Malaysia, southern China, India, Ceylon, Zanzibar and Uganda. At the beginning of the 19th century, they arrived in Hawaii, the current main supplier to the United States.

Nutritional values ​​of papaya

How many calories does papaya have?

Papaya is a fruit rich in water (88%)which makes it a very light food. In every 100 grams of fresh papaya we find:

• Calories: 35 kcal
• Proteins: 0.5g
• Fats: 0.1g
• carbohydrates: 7.1g
• Fiber: 1.9g

Papaya properties

With half a papaya, almost double the daily needs of vitamin C and the fourth part of provitamin A in the form of beta-carotene. 38% of the contribution of folic acid, and almost 20% of vitamin E.

Papaya is also rich in potassium; Half a piece provides the sixth part of this mineral that the body needs per day.

Furthermore, it provides soluble fiber, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, alpha linolenic acid (from the omega 3 oil family), alkaloids that regulate blood pressure; phenols and lycopene, with antioxidant action.

The papaya also has a hidden asset: papain, a proteolytic enzymenamed for its ability to break down proteins and facilitate the digestive process.

What are the benefits of papaya?

With all these benefits, and its antioxidant power, this fruit is suitable for almost everyone, but especially for elderly people, children of growing age, breastfeeding women and smokers. Take note of the health benefits of papaya:

1. Relieves digestive conditions

Digestive conditions are another of its strongest areas, especially when there is a deficit of gastroduodenal and pancreatic secretions. Gastritis, Hiatal hernia, heartburn and poor digestion are relieved with papaya.

In case of diarrhea, However, this fruit should not be taken, as it has a slight laxative effect.

2. Papaya is beneficial against cancer

Popular medicines already knew their healthy effects. Perhaps the most astonishing case was its use to treat cancerous tumors for centuries and in places as diverse as Australia and Mexico.

Now it is used in the form of enzyme therapy to reduce the side effects of radio and chemotherapy, and in some cases prolong life, although the mechanism is still unknown.

3. Reduces inflammation and fluid retention

Its anti-inflammatory effects They are used in treatments for internal use to combat tonsillitis, pharyngitis, arthritis or gout, and for external use, on wounds, bruises or bites.

It is also useful if you have fluid retention; in case of stress and anxiety, when there is a weak immune system, for intense physical activity, in iron deficiency anemia, for cardiovascular disorders, degenerative diseases, in low-fat diets, in case of bulimia…

4. Improves the health of the skin and mucous membranes

One serving of papaya contains 25% of the recommended daily dose of vitamin A.

This nutrient, specifically beta-carotene, plays a fundamental role in the maintenance of mucous membranes, in addition to facilitating melanin synthesis. Melanin is key to protecting the skin from solar radiation and achieve a tanned and healthy tone.

5. Provides natural antioxidants

In addition to its high doses of vitamin A, papaya consumption is especially interesting due to its content in lycopene. This compound, which gives the fruit its characteristic coloris a powerful antioxidant.

Does papaya have contraindications?

Although it is evident that its health benefits are many, it has some contraindications that should be taken into account.

• during pregnancy: It has been shown that papain in large quantities can cause uterine contractions.
• In people allergic to latex: as occurs with other tropical plants such as kiwi or the avocadopapaya skin contains latex that can produce allergic reactions.
• The seeds are toxic: contain an enzyme called carpine which can be toxic, reaching numb the nerves and cause paralysis in the most serious cases.

Papaya in the kitchen

Papaya is in season all year round, but in summer and in early autumn their sugars reach their highest point.

Although the varieties are numerous, practically all of those that reach our European markets are of hawaiian type and they belong to the so-called Solo, of which there are many different cultivars: sunrise, sunset, rainbow or kapoho.

They named it Solo because each fruit is a portion, “you only need one fruit per person.” In the US the Solo Golden variety also predominates.

In Spain, the only European country where they are grown, The Canary Islands produce about 10,000 tons per year of excellent quality, but up to 98% of those we buy in the fruit stores on the peninsula come from Brazil.

Papaya can be include in salads, cold soups, skewers and tapas, vegetable garnishes, delicious mixed or crushed sauces, salty foams, carpaccio, moles such as avocado, in fruit salads, with ice cream, crepes, puff pastries, mousses, custards, sweet creams, cream, yogurt, muesli or an irresistible melted dark chocolate.

Purchase and conservation

To check its seasoning, it is best to press lightly with a finger, and If the meat gives way gently, it means it is ready. If it is already ripe, it will last in the refrigerator for 5 or 6 more days in a plastic bag. If it is too green, it is most likely that it will not fully ripen.

If when we go to buy it it is green but we see that around the end of the stem the color is yellow, it means that it will mature. If it is missing a little, it can be left in the fruit bowl. The ideal temperature to complete your point is between 22 and 27 ºC.

To prepare it, it is best to give it a cut in half lengthwise, Take out the seeds – which can be used to give a spicy touch to soups –, sprinkle the pulp with a few drops of lemon or lime and eat it as is, as if it were an avocado.